Interior Painting Schedules by Surface Type

The inside of your home experiences different levels of wear depending on the room. Here’s a quick guide for how often to repaint interior surfaces:

• Hallways & Entryways: Every 3–4 years (high-traffic areas with scuffs and dings)
• Kitchens & Bathrooms: Every 3–4 years (humidity, cooking residue, and frequent cleaning break down paint faster)
• Bedrooms & Living Rooms: Every 5–7 years (lower-traffic spaces hold up longer)
• Ceilings: About 10 years (paint lasts longer overhead unless stained or exposed to smoke/moisture)
• Cabinets: Every 8–10 years (or sooner if heavily used—refinishing is often smarter than replacement)
• Doors, Trim & Baseboards: Every 2–4 years (high-touch areas show wear fastest)
  

Keeping a regular interior painting schedule helps maintain your home’s appearance while also protecting walls, woodwork, and cabinetry from everyday wear and tear.

Regional Factors: Why Location Matters

Where you live has a big impact on how long paint lasts. Here’s what to expect by region:

Northeast

• Cold winters and humidity cause wood to expand/contract, shortening paint lifespan.
• Snow and salt can wear down exterior trim faster.
• Expect exterior paint to last closer to the low end of the averages above.

Southeast

• Heat and humidity encourage mold and mildew, especially on siding and decks.
• Frequent storms mean exteriors may need repainting every 3–5 years.
• Interior baths and kitchens often need repainting sooner due to moisture.

West Coast

• Salt air and sun fade paint faster near coastal areas.
• Inland dry climates (like Southern California deserts) can crack and peel wood finishes.
• Expect to repaint exteriors every 4–6 years depending on exposure

Midwest / Central

• Freeze-thaw cycles are tough on wood siding and trim.
• Exteriors may last closer to 5–7 years with proper prep and maintenance.
• Interiors follow average timelines, but basements may need repainting sooner due to moisture.